CHAPTER TWO
 

Marissa sat at the gate growing more frustrated with every passing minute. She had already sat there for ten minutes while her plane was delayed somewhere in the west.

"Damn it Shell pick up the phone." she said into her cell. All she heard in return was 'Hey! You've got Shell's cell. Something is obviously going on if you got this. By now you know the routine. Bye.' She disconnected the cell phone in disgust. She had already called Michelle's apartment and left two messages and hung up once since the delays started in Orlando at six. She was now sitting in St. Louis waiting for a plane that was pushed back a half hour, so now instead of an hour overlay she had close to an hour and a half. She sighed as she looked at her watch, which now read 8:05. She was supposed to fly into New York at 9:30.

"I can't believe that already its 9:05 over there. I wonder where Michelle is." she thought to herself. "Man I fly out at 8:45 here which puts me in New York at around 11. What fun. She is going to be so mad but it's her own damn fault. She should learn to check her messages or her cell for that matter. Wait; maybe she is making a few last preparations for our trip to Denver. I wonder if Patrick would know where she might be." With that thought she picked up her cell and called Michelle's younger brother.

“Hello.” An all too familiar voice picked up on the other end of the line.

“Hey Patrick, its Riss.”

“Yo! What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I am just sitting in the airport in St. Louis.”

“St. Louis? I thought that you would be on the plane to New York right now.”

“I should be, but unfortunately my plane is delayed and I am not due to arrive in New York ‘til around eleven.”

“Does Shell know that?”

“No. That is why I am calling you. Do you have any idea where the hell she could be? I have called her house, left two messages there, plus like three on her voice mail. I just can’t seem to get a hold of her.”

“No. The last I talked to her was this morning when she told me that she was going out to get some presents for a few people. She told me she would call me when she got back in and I still haven’t heard from her.”

“Great. You haven’t talked to her, and I sure the hell can’t get a hold of her.” Marissa said, the aggravation growing apparent in her voice.

“Well just think she is most likely at the airport right now. So she is getting her just reward for not checking her messages.” Patrick said with a laugh.

Marissa laughed as well. “That is true. O’ well she can just wait too cuz I am not going to try and get a hold of her any more.”

All of a sudden a flight attendant came over the loud speaker, “We are now boarding flight number 241 from St. Louis to New York. We are taking groups one and two right now.”

“Hey Pat, I have to go. I will call you when I get to New York and find your sister.”

“Okay. Have a nice flight.”

“I will try. Bye.”

“Bye.” Pat said as he hung up the phone and began to wonder where his sister could be.

Marissa hung up her cell phone and headed to board the plane. “It’s about time.” She thought as she took her seat and prepared for take off, wondering what her best friend could be doing that was more important then checking her messages.

* * * *

I looked around the airport wondering where Riss could possibly be. I looked at the guys. I could tell that they were growing a little impatient, at least Kevin was. Nick was sitting next to me reading a magazine, Howie went to go get coffee for the people who wanted some, and AJ went to the electronic store to see if there was anything good to get. Brian and Leighanne went walking and Kristen was trying to get Kevin to settle down a little.

“Michelle, what flight did you say that your friend was flying in on?”

I looked up and took my coffee from Howie. “American Airlines flight 241. Why?”

“Because it has an hour delay on it. I saw on the monitor that it isn’t due in until around eleven.”

I sighed. “Just great. Why didn’t she try calling me?” I thought to myself. Then I remembered that my cell had been turned off during dinner. I immediately went and started fishing through my purse for my cell phone.

“What are you doing Shell?” I heard Nick ask.

“Trying to find my cell.” I said as I whipped it out and called my voice mail. Sure enough there were three messages on my voice mail from her. I listened to all three of them and I could tell that she was very annoyed with the fact that she couldn’t get a hold of me. “O’ well.” I thought. She will see what the hell was more important then her calls when she gets here.”

“Hey what’s the smile for? Your boyfriend call you are something?” I heard AJ say as he obviously approached us again.

“Nothing.” I replied. “And for your information I do not have a boyfriend. I have been flying solo for almost two years now.”

“Then why the smiles missy?”

“It’s a free country I can smile if I want to.”

“Not with out a reason why.”

“Says who”

“STOP IT! Please.” Howie said putting a stop to mine and AJ’s childish banter.

“Fine.” I said giving in. “To answer your question J, I just got three voice mails from my very annoyed best friend asking me what was more important then taking her calls. I was just thinking that she will see what was more important when she comes to get her baggage.”

Nick laughed. “She does have a pretty big surprise when she gets here.”

AJ laughed now realizing what I meant by what I said. “True. That she does.”

Kevin and Kristen came over and asked us when the plane was going to get here. When Howie told them, they decided to go sit in the little cafeteria and talk. We agreed to meet back up around 10:45 back at the baggage claim. Then we all pretty much did what we wanted to. AJ, Nick, Howie and I stood there for a while debating on what to do.

* * * *

After Kevin and Kristen ran off to where ever they decided to go, Brian and Leighanne walked up and joined us.

“Hey where are Kevin and Kristen going.” Lee asked when they got closer to us.

“They got sick of sitting around here and decided to go sit some place else.” AJ said.

“Why?” Brian asked.

“Because I didn’t get the message from Riss fast enough saying that her flight wasn’t going to get in until around eleven.” Michelle answered. “So now we are trying to decide what to do.”

“Well there are some nice shops if you want to go looking around.” Lee said. Michelle’s face lit up and I knew that Lee made a mistake of mentioning anything about shopping.

“Really? I haven’t been to this airport so I wouldn’t know. Let’s go shopping guys!” she said obviously excited.

“Sounds good to me.” AJ said. That man never has a problem spending money. I just hope that this place didn’t have any hats or sunglasses on sale that he would find interesting because we would never get him out if they did.

“That sounds like a plan to me.” I said not wanting to stay behind.

“Sorry but I think that I am just going to sit here. I saw an article I wanted to read.” Howie said.

“I am going to stay with Howie guys.” Brian said. “Lee if you want you can go with them.”

“But…”

“O’ come on Leighanne! You have to come with.” Michelle said.

Leighanne laughed. “Okay. I guess I am going with you all then, but AJ I swear if you find a hat store or some place with sunglasses I am leaving you there.”

“Fine by me.” He answered smiling sweetly at her.

I laughed. “Well let’s get going. We only have about a half hour until we have to meet back up here.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Michelle asked while grabbing mine and AJ’s hand and practically dragging us. I heard Leighanne laughing behind us.

“Did I make a mistake when I mentioned shopping or what?” she asked.

“Yes.” Both AJ and I said, beings we already saw the damage Michelle did earlier today when she was out shopping.

Michelle stopped dragging us when she saw a store that had a huge stuffed bear in the window. “Awwww, looky guys.” She said pointing at it.

“I take it you like teddy bears.” I whispered into her ear. She only nodded at me.

“Yeah I collect them. I don’t have any room for him but if I did he would be going home with me tonight.” I saw the look in her eyes when she said that and I knew right then and there she was going to have that bear. “Well let’s go.” She said as we caught up to Lee and AJ who had kept walking.

While they were shopping I told them I was going to head back to the baggage claim because I had to use the restroom. They all said that they would catch up to me in a few beings they had a few more stores to go into. I told them not to hurry and just to meet me at the baggage claim. Michelle nodded and they continued on their way. I on the other hand went to the store that had the huge teddy bear in it that Michelle had saw earlier. It took a while but I finally found a store attendant. I told her what I wanted and she helped me out. After I paid for the bear and delivery, I pulled out a piece of paper from my pocket that had Michelle’s address on it. I had written it down at her apartment while she was changing.

I decided instead of sending it to Michelle’s apartment I would just send it to my house. I figured I would just ship it to her for Christmas. That way I know she would be home to get it. After that was all taken care of I went back to the baggage claim that Marissa should be going to when she gets off her plane. Shortly after I got there the others arrived to. I glanced at my watch, which read 10:50. We all chatted about what the other bought. Michelle seemed to have gotten a lot of Christmas shopping out of the way. AJ, of course, found a place that sold sunglasses, so he had five new pairs. We all basically just sat around and talked until Michelle saw Marissa approaching us.

* * * *

“We have landed safely. Please gather all of your belongings and Thank you for flying American Airlines.” The flight attendant said after the plane landed.  Marissa sighed and grabbed her book bag. She wasn’t a very happy camper. The person she sat next to this flight was very annoying and she hated it.

She sighed, as she finally was able to get out into the aisle to get off of the plane. She just wanted to get her baggage and go to Michelle’s apartment and sleep. It was a tiring flight and day at that. When she finally made it to her baggage claim she stood there looking for Michelle.

“Where is that girl? Did she forget about me?” Marissa thought as she looked around the room. She saw a group of people talking to her left but didn’t think anything of it. The girl talking sort of resembled Michelle but Marissa just thought it was coincidence and continued looking. She didn’t think Michelle would wear such dressy clothing to the airport or be with five guys and two other girls at that. The guys had their backs to Marissa so she couldn’t even see who they were so there was no telling if it was or wasn’t Michelle. Marissa just shrugged and continued looking for the Michelle she knew, the jeans and tank top girl. Marissa looked up to see the girl who she thought wasn’t Michelle walking towards her.

“You look lost.” The girl said, as she got closer to Riss.

Marissa looked at the girl for a few seconds then screamed.

“OMG!!! SHELL IS THAT YOU!!” Riss yelled as she gave Michelle a hug. The girl gave her one back.

“Yeah it’s me.”

“You’ve changed so much in the last month. I didn’t even recognize you with out your hair being funky colors. It looks good.” Marissa said while holding up a few strands of Michelle’s hair.

Michelle laughed. “Yeah, I decided to go to my natural color for awhile.” She answered. Michelle looked Riss up and down. “I knew you wouldn’t dress warm. I got a few presents for you back at the house.”

Marissa eyed her.  “Why are you in that?” she asked pointing at Michelle’s dress.

“I went out to dinner with some new friends. I got your messages, a little too late, but I did check them.”

Marissa rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, ‘a little to late’ meaning, that you were here when you did.”

Michelle nodded and laughed. “Yep. You know me all to well.”

Riss eyed her again. “I don’t see how you do it. I am freezing and here you are wearing close to nothing.”

Michelle shrugged. “I love the weather. So don’t knock it. It is due to snow with in the next couple of days. I am just sad that I am going to miss the first snow here.”

Marissa laughed and stuck her tongue out at Michelle. “Yeah but you will see it in Colorado.”

“I know but it’s not the same as being at home when the first snow falls.” Michelle said with a sigh. “Let’s go get your luggage and go. I have some people I want you to meet.”

“No way Michelle. Look at me! I am not meeting anybody looking like this. I just want to go home. I already had a bad flight; I don’t want to meet anybody.”

Michelle laughed. ” Tough. They are here and you looking like that is not my fault. You know that when you come to New York you have to be on your toes because you never know who you might meet.”

Marissa groaned and followed Michelle over to get her bag. Everyone else from Riss’s flight were already there getting their bags so the two of them had a few minutes to wait so Michelle decided to go ahead and show Riss her surprise.

* * * *

I looked up from talking with the guys when I saw someone that I thought looked like Marissa walking towards the baggage claim. She was dressed in a pair of baggy jeans. She had a sweater on and literally had it pulled close to her body, a book bag was slung over one shoulder, and her long hair was up in a bun.

“Yep that is Riss.” I thought to myself. “Guys, excuse me for a second.” I said as I walked away from them and headed towards her. I know she didn’t recognize me because she was looking around trying to find me. I knew she was looking for someone in jeans and a t-shirt. “Oops that isn’t how I am dressed tonight girlie.” I thought as I got closer and she stopped.

“You look lost.” I said, as I got closer to her. She looked at me for a few seconds then screamed.

“OMG!!! SHELL IS THAT YOU!!” she yelled as she gave me a hug. I gave her one back.

“Yeah it’s me.”

“You’ve changed so much in the last month. I didn’t even recognize you with out your hair being funky colors. It looks good.” She said while holding up a few strands of my hair.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I decided to go to my natural color for awhile.” I answered. I looked at her. “I knew you wouldn’t dress warm. I got a few presents for you back at the house.”

She eyed me.  “Why are you in that?” she asked pointing at my dress.

“I went out to dinner with some new friends. I got your messages, a little too late, but I did check them.”

She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, ‘a little to late’ meaning, that you were here when you did.”

I nodded and laughed. “Yep. You know me all to well.”

She eyed me again. “I don’t see how you do it. I am freezing and here you are wearing close to nothing.”

I shrugged. “I love the weather. So don’t knock it. It is due to snow with in the next couple of days. I am just sad that I am going to miss the first snow here.”

She laughed and stuck her tongue out at me. “Yeah but you will see it in Colorado.”

“I know but it’s not the same as being at home when the first snow falls.” I sighed. I then remembered that the guys were over near the baggage claim most likely watching me wondering who I was talking to. “Let’s go get your luggage and go. I have some people I want you to meet.”

“No way Michelle. Look at me! I am not meeting anybody looking like this. I just want to go home. I already had a bad flight; I don’t want to meet anybody.”

I laughed. “Tough. They are here and you looking like that is not my fault. You know that when you come to New York you have got to be on your toes because you never know who you might meet.”

She groaned and followed me over to get her bag. Everyone else from her flight was already there getting their bags so we had a few minutes to wait until we could get close enough to the drop so I decided to go ahead and show Riss her surprise.

* * * *

“Guys, excuse me for a second.”  Was all I heard, and then Michelle walked away from us over to a girl who was standing around obviously looking for somebody. I knew that the other guys were also watching the interaction between the two of them. I knew from the moment Michelle walked up to her that she must have been Marissa. She was dressed in a pair of baggy jeans and had a sweater on the she had pulled tightly to her body. I looked at her and then at Michelle. Looking at those two I would have never guessed that Michelle was a native to Florida. After a few minutes they started to head over to where we were. I could hear Marissa protesting that she didn’t want to meet anyone.

“Tough. You are going to whether you like it or not Riss. So get over it.”

“But I just want to go home. I look like shit, I feel like shit, and I am sure that this isn’t so important that it can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“It can’t wait until tomorrow because they are here now.”

Michelle said getting slightly annoyed with the arguing between the two of them.

I just watched them as the other guys were talking amongst themselves again. I turned back around and joined the conversation so Marissa didn’t see who I was.

“So do you think that Michelle would actually come down to Florida for the holidays if we invited her?” Kevin asked the rest of the group. For someone who didn’t want her to come to dinner with us he sure did warm up to her fast. I knew he was beginning to see her as a little sister, which I thought was very cool.

“I don’t see why not. From what she told me she doesn’t have any family living up here in New York. They are all down in Florida.” AJ said.

“I like that idea.” I piped up. I really would like to spend the holidays with her. She might actually make them worthwhile this year. Besides that I do have that teddy bear being shipped to my house for her.

At about the time I said that I felt an arm go around my waist. “What’s a good idea?” I heard a soft voice say and knew instantly that it was Michelle.

I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Oh… no fair. Tell me please.” She said as she looked at me, her emerald green eyes doing a puppy dog imitation.

“As I said, I will think about it.”

“Fine. Guys I want you all to meet my friend.” She said as she stepped out of the way to reveal the girl she had run off to talk to. “This is Marissa.”

The look on Marissa’s face was priceless when she saw who we were. Her book bag hit the floor along with her jaw. I had to hide a chuckle. I swear if looks could kill, Michelle would have been dead at that moment.

“Michelle, I am so going to kill you.” She said through clenched teeth.

“No you aren’t because if you killed me who would drive you to Colorado to see them in concert.” Michelle shot back while pointing to us.

That was news to me. I didn’t know that one of the reasons that she was going to Colorado was to go see our concert. I had to make sure to get her backstage passes, no make that All Access Passes. That way Michelle and her friends could get into sound check with us and everything. I made a mental note to do just that. I could get them to her tomorrow which was the only time I would see Michelle again because we were hitting the road again and Michelle was leaving tomorrow evening to head out herself.

I looked at the rest of the guys and their faces were as full of shock as mine was. “You are going to Colorado to see our show?” AJ asked.

Michelle looked at him and nodded. “Yep. Well that is one of the reasons why we are going. I am also visiting another friend and I am so over due for a vacation it isn’t funny.”

Brian laughed. “I know that feeling all to well.”

“I think we all do cuz.” Kevin said joining Brian in with the laughter.

Marissa was still in shock and was looking back and forth between all of us. I held out my hand. “Hello Marissa, I’m Nick, Michelle has told us so much about you.” That snapped her out of her trance really fast.

“Huh!? O’ yeah, Hi.” She said as she shook my hand. The other guys followed suit. I glanced over at Michelle who was wearing the biggest smile in the world. I had to admit, I loved that smile.

* * * *

I watched as the guys introduced themselves to Riss. I loved her face. I really wished I had my camera on me. I cursed myself for not grabbing it. After all the introductions were made we walked over and grabbed her luggage. She only brought one suitcase; she always traveled light like that. Before we walked outside she grabbed her jacket out of it and put it on.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“It was freezing coming off of the plane through that little gate so I know that it is going to be cold when we get to the cars.” Marissa answered as we started walking again. I shrugged it off as it being that she was just paranoid about the weather but sure shooting the moment I stepped outside I regretted not grabbing my jacket. We stood around waiting for the cars to come talking.

“Hey why don’t you all come to my place for a little bit? We could hang out and talk.” I said while I tried to stay as close to the airport doors as possible.

“That sounds good to me.” AJ answered.

“I would but I am going to go back to the hotel and sleep.” Brian said. “I know I won’t sleep well tomorrow beings we are going to be back on the bus.”

Leighanne nodded. “I am going to go back with Brian, but thanks for the offer.”

Kevin and Kristen looked at us. “We are going to go back to the hotel to.” Kevin answered. “We’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

“That is ok. I understand completely how that is.” I said. “Believe me, I do.” I thought to myself.

“I am with AJ.” Nick answered as he looked at me. I know he was trying to figure out if I was cold or what.

“I am going to tag along with you and J too.” Howie said then went back to the conversation he was having with Marissa.

Nick walked over to me after a few more moments of staring at me. I shivered when he came up. “You’re not cold are you?” he asked.

I nodded. “Just a little. I am regretting forgetting my jacket.” I answered.

He took off his leather jacket revealing a long sleeved black shirt. “Nick I can’t take your jacket.” I protested as he handed it to me.

“Nonsense. Take it.” He said as he wrapped it around my shoulders. I put it on and sighed.

“Where are the cars?” I asked as they pulled up. I should know that whenever I ask where something or someone is it always appears. “Just my luck, I open my mouth and they appear.” I said.

Nick laughed as we all piled in. Marissa sat in the back with Howie beings AJ was driving so the bodyguards could go back to the hotel with the rest of the gang. I again sat next to Nick. As we hit the interstate to head back to my apartment I laid my head on Nick’s shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me. The next thing I knew we were at my place because Nick was shaking me lightly to wake up.

* * * *

Michelle surprised me when out of the blue she asked us if we wanted to go back to her apartment and hang out. Of course Brian made a good point about needing to sleep tonight because sure shooting the moment we hit the bus none of us would sleep very well, but I was going to go no matter what. I didn’t care. Kevin agreed with going back with Brian and of course Lee and Kris were going to go back with them.

Marissa and Howie seemed to be talking about something while J was talking with Kev and Bri. I looked over at Michelle who was hanging close to the doors of the airport. Just by the way she looked I could tell she was cold. I decided to go talk to her.

“You’re not cold are you?” I asked knowing that the reason why she was hanging so close to the door was because of the heater inside.

She looked up at me and nodded. “Just a little. I am regretting forgetting my jacket.” I reached up and started to take off my leather jacket. “Nick I can’t take your jacket.” She protested.

“Nonsense. Take it.” I said as I put it around her shoulders. She sighed and put it on. She started to look around.

“Where are the cars?” She asked as they pulled up. “Just my luck. I open my mouth and they appear.” She said slightly annoyed.

I laughed as we piled into our car. Marissa sat in the back with Howie beings AJ was driving so the bodyguards could go back to the hotel with the rest of the gang. Kevin told us that they would see us in the morning. Their car pulled away and headed back to the hotel while we headed to Michelle’s apartment.

“So what do you do for a living Riss?” Howie asked.

“I am a professional photographer.” She answered.

“Really, who do you work for?” AJ asked while looking at us through the rear view mirror.

“Star.” She replied. Michelle looked over her shoulder at her and Riss just nodded. I guess they have some type of communication, because that was all Riss said about her job.

“She is so awesome guys. You should see her photographs.”

“Is that so?” I said while looking at Michelle.

“Yep. She makes you look good no matter what you look like that day.”

“You talk like she has taken your picture.”

“Duh J we are best friends.” Michelle shot at him.

We all laughed and went about our own conversation. Howie and Riss went about talking about Riss’s photography while Michelle and I talked about our own stuff.

“So what is it like when you guys are on tour?” She asked me.

“Hectic on some days, others it is ok. I love doing the shows. The audience is awesome though, no matter where we go.” I answered with a smile on my face.

“That is cool.” She said as she laid her head on my shoulder. As a response I put my arm around her. “I bet it’s a lot of fun. I wish I could go on tour with you guys.”

I smiled. “You know I am sure that could be arranged.”

She lightly shook her head. “I have too much going on right now in my life to go run away with the BSB though; it sounds like a wonderful idea.”

“You have no idea how good that sounds.” I thought as I turned my head and looked out of the window. The next time I looked down at Michelle she was sound asleep. I couldn’t help but look at her. She looked so peaceful sleeping there on my shoulder. I smiled and continued to look out the window. AJ still had Star’s cd playing but I didn’t care. It was on a song I liked and it sort of fit the moment.

After about ten more minutes of driving we pulled up to Michelle’s apartment. I lightly shook her and she woke up. “We’re here sleepy head.” I whispered into her ear.

She looked around. “Did I fall asleep?”

I nodded while AJ, Howie, and Riss got out.

“I am so sorry Nick. I didn’t mean to.” She said as she looked at me sympathetically.

“It’s ok. I didn’t mind.” I told her as I got out and helped her out of the car. She smiled at me and we all followed her up to her apartment. When we got inside Michelle excused herself so she could get into some comfortable clothing.

* * * *

As soon as I walked into the apartment I excused myself. I wanted to get out of this dress. Marissa, of course, headed to the spare bedroom.  I dressed in my flannel pajama bottoms and my tank top. I just wanted to be comfortable. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and thought about the events that happened today.  I just didn’t understand how all of a sudden I got such good luck. After I thought I looked presentable I went back out and headed to the kitchen.

Marissa had already joined the three guys in the living room and they were fighting over what to watch on the TV.

I giggled and jumped on the couch between Nick and AJ. “What are you guys arguing about?”

“They won’t watch MTV.” Marissa complained. I knew that the reason why she wanted to watch it was because they were showing videos.

“Good cuz I don’t want to listen to Carson’s bitching right now.” I said as I grabbed the controller from Nick. “Let’s see here what is on.” I said as I clicked into the menu screen to see what was on each channel. I must say that I love Digital Cable.

“There is nothing on Shell.” Marissa said as I went through the channels.

“Well that sucks.” I said as I flipped the TV off. “We could always watch one of my movies.” I said as I pointed to the wall that was filled with Anime and other movies.

“Good grief girl.” AJ said. “You have more movies then me and Nick combined.”

All I could do was laugh. “What can I say, I love movies.”

“What do you feel like watching?” Nick asked me. I looked over at Howie.

“Whatcha in the mood for D?”

“I don’t know Michelle, what about you Riss?”

“I don’t know, J?”

J just shrugged. “Action?”

I stuck my tongue out at him. “Well, I have tons of stuff. Just look and talk about it amongst yourselves. I am going to go get a drink, when I come back though you better have a movie picked out.” I said as I got up and headed to the kitchen.

I opened the fridge door and grabbed an orange soda. When I turned around Nick was standing there. “EEP!” I jumped when I saw that it was Nick standing behind me.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you but I am a little thirsty too. I figured I’d follow you and see if I could get a drink too.

“Sure, what do you want?”

“What you have is fine with me.”

I smiled and grabbed another one for him. “Have they decided yet?”

“No. They are still fighting over it.”

“Well you know what. I want to watch ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’. So that is what we are going to watch.” I said as I headed back out to the living room.

“That sounds good to me.” Nick said as he followed me.

When I got to the living room, the others were still discussing what they wanted to watch. I just walked up and grabbed the movie and popped it into the VCR.

“Hey we didn’t decide on a movie yet.” AJ protested.

“Tough you were taking to long.” I said as I stretched out on my couch.

“What did you put in Shell?” Marissa asked as she laid down on the floor with a pillow.

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”

“That sounds good to me.” D said as he joined Riss on the floor.

J made himself comfortable in my recliner while Nick sat at the end of the couch I was stretched out on.  I couldn’t help but put my legs on his lap. He just looked at me when I did it and returned to watching the movie.

* * * *

I watched as everyone took his or her place for the movie that Michelle put in. Michelle stretched out on the couch, J sat in her recliner in the corner of the room, and Marissa and D took a spot on the floor. I decided to sit down on the end of the couch that Michelle was laying on. All of a sudden she just put her legs on my lap. I just looked at her, smiled, and continued to watch the beginning of the movie.

“This is one of my favorite movies.” Michelle said. “I would watch it all day if I could.”

“Michelle the only reason you would watch it is because you think Kevin Costner has a cute ass.”

“Marissa, you can not tell me that you don’t find him attractive.” Michelle argued, sitting up so she could look at her.

“He is, but I wouldn’t want to look at him all day.”

“Yeah well I know someone you would.” Shell said while sticking her tongue out at her.

“Yeah well I know someone you would like to look at all day too.”

“Do not.” Michelle said while she sent a couch pillow flying at her hitting her lightly.

Marissa sent it back. “Well we will just see if I am right or not later then.”

“Fine.” Michelle said as she went to throw it again. I grabbed her arm.

“Hey children you know some of us are trying to watch this.” I said smiling the whole time.

“Well daddy, take this.” Michelle said as she hit my lightly in the face with the pillow. I heard J laughing in the background along with the Riss and D. I chuckled a little. I looked at her and she was smiling. Everyone else turned his or her attention back to the movie, acting like the little outburst didn’t happen. Michelle was about to lay back down when I grabbed her arm and stopped her.

“Where do you think you are going?” I whispered in her ear.

“I am going to lay back down.” She whispered back looking at me.

“You are not going to leave me here all by myself.” I said just looking at her.

“Well then lay down too.” She said while looking at me like I was crazy.

“Are you sure?” I didn’t want to seem like I was invading her space or anything.

“Yes.” She said and laid back down. I followed her and laid down behind her. I was much taller then her, though I found her height very cute, so I didn’t have problem seeing the TV.  I wrapped one arm around her waist and I put the other under my head. We laid there and watched most of the movie when I noticed she was dead asleep. I smiled to myself and looked at the rest of the group; sure enough they were all out to. I sighed, turned off the TV with the remote and settled down to sleep. It didn’t take long ‘til sleep took me over as well.

* * * *

The next thing I remember was waking up to the ringing of a phone or should I say the vibrating of a phone. I opened my eyes a little and found the contraption that was making the noise. I didn’t want to wake the others so I grabbed it as fast as possible. I didn’t even look at what it was; I just answered it.

“Hello.” I said in a very sleepy voice.

“Michelle? Is that you?”

“Yeah who’s this?”

“It’s Kev. Why are you answering Nick’s cell?”

“Because it was ringing and woke me up.”

“Let me guess, they just crashed at your place.”

I took a look around the room. Sure enough AJ, Nick, and Howie were asleep in my living room. Nick was on the couch behind me, AJ was passed out in my recliner, and Howie was asleep on the floor about two feet away from Marissa. “Yep. I guess they did.”

“Great. Could you wake them up and tell them to get back to the hotel. We have to go.” I heard Kev say.

“Ok. I will get them up and moving.” I said now fully awake. I looked at the clock and saw that it was nearing noontime.

“Thanks Michelle. Oh and come with them to the hotel. I have a surprise for you.”

“Ok Kev. I will do. Bye.” I said as I hung up Nick’s cell phone. “Great now how do I wake the dead?” I thought to myself as I took another look around the room.

I easily made my way out of Nick’s arms and walked into the kitchen. I thought I would let them sleep just a little while longer before I made them all move. I decided that maybe I should play my messages from yesterday just in case one of them happened to be important. Sure enough, the first one was.

“Michelle, I know you are most likely out shopping for Marissa but I thought you might like to know that your album went Double Platinum. You’re in there girlie!!! Give me a call later if you wish. Bye.”

I nearly dropped the cup that I got out for some coffee. I replayed it to make sure that I heard Mike right. Sure enough the words “Double Platinum” left his mouth. I just sat there not knowing what to do. I had to tell Riss but I also had to wait until the guys were not around. The next message was from my brother who wanted to know where I was and why I hadn’t called him back yet and the other two were from Riss herself.

I turned the coffee pot on and headed back to the living room to see if I could get the dead to arise. I decided to get Marissa up first. I knew she wouldn’t be hard. I leaned down over her and shook her lightly.

“Hey girlie. Rise and shine.”

She mumbled something that I didn’t hear. I just laughed. I decided that I would wake them up my way. Forget being nice. I walked over to the stereo which already had my BSB ‘Black and Blue’ cd in, turned it on, pushed pause, and forwarded it to ‘Get Another Boyfriend’. I turned the volume up on the stereo so it was above thirty decimals and with the bass on my stereo, that volume shook the windows. I then turn around when I hit play. I wanted to see all four of them jump when it started. Sure enough that is what they all did.

“Good G*D….” AJ yelled.

I just stood there and laughed. “Good morning sunshine.” I yelled over the music.

Marissa and Howie sat up rubbing their eyes. They didn’t really say anything. I knew that didn’t mean I wouldn’t hear it from them but hey Riss should have woke up when I first shook her. Nick on the other hand I was a little worried about. He was up but I didn’t like the look he was giving me. Talk about if looks could kill. I reached behind me and turned the music down to a safe decimal of about ten, then headed to the kitchen where the coffee was.

“Nice wake up Shell.” Riss said following me.

“Hey that was nicer than what I got.”

“How’d you wake up?” AJ said as he followed us into the kitchen. I handed him a cup of coffee while Riss grabbed a glass of Sunny D.

“To a cell phone ringing. When I answered it, I was met by a slightly annoyed Kevin on the other side. I am supposed to get you guys back to the hotel and now. They are all ready to leave.” I answered getting me a cup.

Nick stumbled in and looked at me. “Nice song Shell. I just love waking up like that.”

“Hey if Riss woke up when I first shook her then you all would have gotten a nice wake up call.”

“Don’t even blame me Michelle.”

“Well it’s the truth.” I said smiling at her.

“Well I guess then we should get going guys.” Howie said still trying to wake up. I had to admit, they all looked pretty funny when they weren’t fully awake.

I nodded. “Yeah I am supposed to go back with you all. So I guess that before Riss and I hit the road we have to go with you guys and then take a cab back here.” I said while lightly pushing my way through the crowd that had now gathered in my kitchen which to describe is crowded when two people get in there.

“I guess that means that we need to get dressed.” Marissa said.

“No, not if you want to go in your clothes from yesterday.” I said over my shoulder as I went into my bedroom and changed.  I put on a pair of tight blue jeans and a hunter green tank top. I pulled my auburn hair into a ponytail. I sighed as I looked in the mirror and put on a little makeup. I really hate having to get up and run. I am so totally not a morning person.

* * * *

I woke up to hearing ‘Get Another Boyfriend’ blaring throughout the apartment. I groaned lightly as I opened one of my eyes to see Michelle standing across the room smiling. I sat up and looked around to see J giving her a death glare and D and Riss just sitting there rubbing their eyes. I have to admit I was with J on the death glare. She just continued to smile then headed to the kitchen. I just wanted to kill her.

“I was having such a good dream. She was in it… I was in it… Wait, Nick what are you thinking? She is not interested man.” I th